Asahiyama cherry
BeginnerPrunus 'Asahiyama'
A satozakura-type cherry that covers its branches with pale pink double flowers even when young. Dwarf and compact, it is the cultivar behind most cherry bonsai sold as 'issai-zakura', and flowers reliably year after year in a pot.
About
Asahiyama is a cultivar of the satozakura (Japanese flowering cherry) group, described in a Japanese bonsai guide as a double-flowered satozakura that blooms young. According to a nursery's cultivar notes, around April it carries pale pink double flowers densely along the branches; each flower is 3.5–4.2 cm across with about 8–18 petals. It is a dwarf cherry that stays around 2 m even in the ground, suiting gardens, containers and bonsai. The label 'issai-zakura' seen in shops is not a cultivar name but describes cherries that flower while young, and cherry bonsai sold under it are mostly Asahiyama. Its pale pink double flowers and free flowering on small plants are the easiest identifiers. Among the many cherries sold simply as 'sakura', it is a representative named cultivar. Little is documented about its origin. Named cherries are mostly grafted, and vigorous shoots from the rootstock weaken the cultivar, so remove them early. It is widely available from bonsai and garden centres.
Size of the Asahiyama cherry
The Asahiyama cherry grows to Dwarf, around 2 m even in the ground (bonsai: mini to shohin).
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (satozakura-group cultivar; little documented about its origin)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar
Size
Dwarf, around 2 m even in the ground (bonsai: mini to shohin)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (after flowering to October, except the rainy season and midsummer)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Outdoors in sun and airflow—shade reduces flower buds. Move small pots to bright part shade in summer, about 50–60% shade
Watering
Thirsty: about twice daily in spring/autumn, 2–3 in summer, at the soil. Summer drought scorches leaves and costs next year's buds. Keep water off the flowers
Temperature & overwintering
Needs winter chill to flower, so overwinter outdoors; after 2–3 frosts, shelter from drying wind and late frost
Soil & repotting
Free-draining mix; heavy feeding and watering wear out the soil, so repot when root-bound. Protect autumn-repotted plants early in winter
Fertilizer
Monthly from flowering to October, except the rainy season and midsummer. Post-bloom feeding builds shoots; use a flowering-plant feed with phosphorus
Pruning & styling
Prune after flowering, shortening long young shoots; cuts die back easily, so seal them. Wire carefully around June as branches snap. Remove spent flowers
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, scale, clearwing borers and crown gall. On grafted plants remove rootstock shoots early
Asahiyama cherry FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Asahiyama cherry?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Asahiyama cherry get?
The mature size of Asahiyama cherry is Dwarf, around 2 m even in the ground (bonsai: mini to shohin). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Asahiyama cherry?
Asahiyama cherry: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (after flowering to October, except the rainy season and midsummer). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Asahiyama cherry?
The price of Asahiyama cherry varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no Prunus 'Asahiyama' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Find listings for this species
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